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You see them in every strip mall east and west of the Mississippi: Cash Advance, Cash-N-Go, Check Into Cash, Urgent Money Service, and the list continues. What exactly are these businesses that seem to offer you money right when you need them? They are cash advance companies which often make loans commonly called payday loans. In many ways, these companies have become the country's modern day loan sharks. No, they will not cut off your thumbs or pour cement around your feet and make you swim with the fishes. They will, however, torture you with fees, upon fees, upon fees.

So what is a payday loan? A payday loan is a cash advance loan. The loan in itself is held by a personal check. For example, you could write a personal check for $135 in order to borrow $100. The check casher will agree to not cash the check often for fourteen days. This can be extended if needed, but not without a charge. Many people use it to bridge the gap between pay checks. But the Federal Trade Commission calls it *Costly cash,* and for good reason.

Using the example above of a $100 loan for a check of $135, you will see when the math is done how truly costly a Payday Loan is. When you are in desperate need, the $35 seems miniscule. But, when you consider that this charge will occur every fourteen days if you do not pay, this equates to 650 percent APR. A bad credit card will offer you 28 percent APR. When you choose this option, you are going to pay much more in charges and interest and could find yourself even deeper in debt.

So what are your alternatives? If you seriously cannot make it until next payday, there are other options you may have instead of taking out a payday loan. Sort your bills. Choose which ones can wait until next pay day and make them wait. If you have creditors, you can negotiate a new or temporary payment plan to see you through.